While Ornstein did not use the term “extreme” in his debating points, he implied that the Republicans are the ones responsible for the problems in Washington because of what he views as their obstructionist tactics. Ornstein’s attacks against congressional Republicans have earned him accolades from groups on the left such as Media Matters.

Ornstein contended that Republicans have been “much worse” when it has come to blocking President Obama’s nominations than Democrats ever were in the Reagan or George W. Bush eras. He praised Democrats by contrast for cooperating with the last President bush in passing “No Child Left Behind” and suggested they gave Bush legitimacy by passing TARP.

Democrats cooperated when “they could have stomped on his neck, under the circumstances,” noting the controversial 2000 presidential election.

Hayward was more apt to say Republicans were extreme, stating, “Is the Republican Party extreme? I certainly hope so. It was founded as an extreme party. Democrats are the party of the status quo, and that is the problem.” But Hayward conceded that polarization has occurred in both parties equally.

“I will not say that one party is good and the other is evil,” said Ornstein. “I will not say Republicans are extreme.”

Ornstein said that there are plenty of Republicans who he does not see as extreme, mentioning former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.) for one.

Hayward summed up the state of both parties: “Democrats have not gotten over the fact they should be the permanent majority.”

But Ornstein was quick to say that Democrats have moved more to the left, but Republicans have moved much more to the right.